The Chino pants - why, what, and how to wear?

Shades of Grey on Revolve

This next item on the spring shopping list is been around as a staple in american style for a long time now but just like my previous spring recommendation- the Chambray shirt is being revived with a cooler, more fitted style and fit in the last couple of season which is why it made it to my spring list.
Backround - First of all, what's with the name? The name Chino  is the Spanish term for Chinese, and it refers to the cotton twill fabric that those pants are made out of which was made in China. Just like the Chambray fabric this fabric was originally used for military and work uniforms and was adopted by American style in the 20th century. Since it is mostly made in a khaki color and although it is being offered in a variety of other colors as well the chino is usually confused with khaki pant.
Why: As a cotton fabric the chino is a very comfortable and easy pants for spring, and can serve as a dressier style than for example Jeans and therfore can be used for a smart/ business casual dress code as well as for a relaxed weekend look.  

Fitted chino from Diesel at Bloomingdale's

Band of Outsiders

What to look for - For years the chino was typically done in the khaki color, mostly in a looser/baggier fit and with front darts (clearly everything a stylish guy should stay away from), but over the last couple of seasons with American style gaining popularity the style offerings have adjusted accordingly and the younger, sophisticated customer adopted the chino. A more fitted, tapered style was introduced ( Bonbons built a great business around that one specific concept), the color range expended to offer everything from subtle light grey to navy, army and all the way to brighter colors and even the jeans trends of casual worn/vintage look were adopted offering different washes and fabric treatments, all ending up making the classic chino a sleek and stylish item for every guy! So when you look for a chino most importantly look for a fitted style, no bagginess around the hips, no access fabric in the rise and the butt area and please no front darts! The leg shape is according to your preference, if you feel good with a skinny leg than go for it but as long as the hip and thigh areas ares fitted a straight leg or bootleg will do just as fine.   

Life after denim on Revolve

Shades of Grey on Revolve

How to wear - The diversity of the chino is a big advantage and is one of the main
reasons it became so popular over the years, more so now with its current contemporary new look it fits into a variety of personal styles and dress codes turning every guy into  A Man of Style! During the week day your chino is a perfect fit for your business casual attire, a fitted cotton dress shirt in stripes or gingham with maybe a cotton tie or even a fun plaid bow-tie under a sport coat or a cotton blazer, paired with  leather loafers or some other form of leather shoes/boots will make you look professional yet comfortable and stylish. For after hours and for a weekend easy, casual look, pair it with a chambray shirt or a striped long sleeve T (both with rolled up sleeves), accessorize with a vintage looking necklace, maybe even a hat? (if you insist on being trendy than go ahead and roll up your chino) and pair them with a fun casual looking sneakers like a colored converse (NO running shoes please!), or a vintage style military boots.

 Two Looks from All Saints

Marc by Marc Jacobs

Skinny Chino from AllSaints

HOWE on Revolve

5 pocket chino from Theory

WESC at Revolve